Podolski to miss Algeria clash

Lukas Podolski has been ruled out of Germany's World Cup last 16 clash against Algeria on Monday with a thigh injury.

Podolski, 29, started his first match of the tournament in Brazil in Germany's final match in Group G, but was replaced by Miroslav Klose at half-time of the 1-0 win over the United States in Recife.

Germany coach Joachim Loew told a news conference on Saturday that the Arsenal forward, who has scored 46 goals in 116 appearances for Germany since making his international debut 10 years ago, will not feature in Monday's clash in Porto Alegre.

"Podolski will be missing in the last 16," Low said, adding that the problem was not too serious.

"He's pulled a muscle. He needs two or three days of rest. If we reach the next round, there will be no problem."

Loew added that defender Jerome Boateng, who has started all three of Germany's matches so far but was substituted at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Ghana, should be fit to fit to start against Algeria.

"He has a slight niggle in his knee," he said. "But that's no problem. He will train with the team tomorrow."